General Question

What kind of makeup can I get for my problem areas?

I’m looking for affordable cosmetics here. I don’t wear makeup that often, but when I do, my skin tends to go all wonky. It’s fine to begin with, but I break out easily if I put anything on my face. Bare Minerals seems to be my best find so far, but lacks decent coverage.

What’s the best under eye circle concealer?
What’s the best powder foundation for acne prone skin? (something that covers well)
What’s the best non-clumpy mascara?

There are lots of stores in my area that sell cosmetics, it’s just a matter of having some idea of what to look for when I go in. Any help will be appreciated! Thanks.

14 Answers

Almay has different makeup lines specifically formulated for different skin types.

I use their “oily” line, which has salicylic acid in all of the products (in different strengths) to treat breakouts. The concealer has a stronger dose than the foundation, and the pressed powder is even weaker. I generally use the concealer and the pressed powder, and that’s enough for me (I have those circles, too, and they got even darker after I had my son).

As far as the mascara, I just use CoverGirl’s basic, waterproof mascara. I’m not into super dark fake looking lashes, just something to make my blonde lashes appear visible. I use “brownish black”, as opposed to a true black shade.

The “new” color for under eye concealers nowadays is salmon. I prefer that to yellow or other colors. I’m a mineral make-up user myself so I don’t know what to recommend that has a heavier coverage.

Try the things at Silk Naturals http://www.silknaturals.com/creb/ . They’re unique in that you mix your own foundation color and they have bases with different levels of coverage, so you can control that element as well. I’ve also heard of some people who break out from Bare Minerals but can wear SN so I think it’s pretty irritant/allergen free. Not to mention a hell of a lot cheaper. You may also want to look at http://www.everydayminerals.com/

For mascara, I find that a lot of times clumping has as much to do with freshness as formula. Some people say you should change your mascara after three months for hygiene purposes. It also keeps clumping down, though I personally don’t go through a whole tube in that time. My favorites right now are CoverGirl Lashblast and Maybelline’s Define-a-lash.

As far as under-eye concealer goes, the best I’ve had so far is this Almay Nearly Naked Cover Up Stick. Although it says for normal skin, I tend to be very sensitive to facial makeup like you are, and it hasn’t given me problems thus far.

For powder foundation, I use L’Oreal Paris Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Powder. It’s very light and doesn’t irritate my skin, but provides great coverage. I also use L’Oreal Paris Bare Naturale All-Over Mineral Glow for an extra glow from time to time. It’s also light and looks very natural.

@SirGoofy : Hahaha… I’m not sure that’s necessary, but thanks for the tip.

Good point, though. I didn’t say how bad the problems were, which may be helpful. The circles aren’t really even that bad. I’ve just never found anything to make them go away. And I don’t need major concealment, just a few uneven spots here and there. I have one of those little broken blood vessels on one cheek, so I constantly have this bright red dot there.

I can tell you that for mascara, thanks to @Asmonet’s advice on a differente thread here, I now only wear “Full ‘n Soft” Waterproof. She was right, it really does hold up the best, and is by far the least clumpy. One trick I’ve discovered to applying mascara is I always use a hand mirror now, and hold it really really close to my face, so I can see exactly what I’m doing. I never end up with smeared mascara or flecks of it on my face anymore.

I don’t see much difference among under eye concealers… I’ve used Loreal true match concealer for years with no problem, and recently switched to a Maybelline brand. It’s a little stickier but works just as well.

As far as face stuff, I use Loreal’s Bare Naturale. It’s similar to Bare minerals which you thought didn’t have enough coverage so I guess that won’t do you good.

For mascara, definitely go Great Lash. It’s been rated #1 mascara by magazines for years, and I agree. It’s excellent, and affordable/can be found at any drugstore.

A good cream foundation that is water based often works best. Their are different ones for oily skin. Look for one that says its for oily skin. A good cream foundation will also work for dark circles under you eyes. The secret is to remove it when you get home. Make sure to cleanse your face of make up before you go to bed. I would also clean it with alcohol if my face wasn’t dry or witch hazel if it is dry. You want to dry the zits but not your skin. And make sure you wash well in the morning before appling make up and rinse your face in really cold water. It helps to tighten your pores and make zits appear smaller. Plus it keeps the foundation from getting in your open pores and clogging them up.
As for mascara, I like lash blast. It doesn’t clump.

My favorite mascara trick (since it’s about the only makeup I ever wear) is to dab the brush on a napkin so it makes a dot and gets the extra off of the wand. I also apply it sideways with the brush facing the way you wouldn’t expect it to be held. It catches every lash. Maybelline is like the mascara master – they can do no wrong. Although, if you’re looking to splurge a bit on one thing (and it happens to be eyes) go with DiorShow – it’s the brush I tell ya :) my once in awhile treat for myself since I think $22 is crazy for mascara.